Presidency Debunks Western ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative In Dialogue With CAN Leadership

The Special Adviser on Media and Policy Communication and Spokesperson to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Daniel Bwala, on Monday, 20th October, 2025, met with the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the Association’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

 

The high-level meeting was part of the Presidency’s ongoing engagements with faith-based organisations to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen national unity, and address concerns about security challenges and religious harmony in the country.

 

Dr. Bwala conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Christian community and reassured the leadership of CAN that the administration remains committed to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

 

“President Tinubu holds the Christian community in high esteem and recognizes the invaluable role the Church plays in building peace and social cohesion,” Dr. Bwala said. “The government is not involved, either passively or actively, in the insecurity issues confronting some parts of the country. These challenges have evolved beyond religion, with root causes tied to climate change, extremist ideologies, and economic pressures.”

 

He noted several Western media reports and remarks by some U.S. congressmen had painted an inaccurate picture of the situation in Nigeria as a “Christian genocide.”

 

“Such narratives are misleading,” Dr. Bwala stated. “Independent reports from the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), Transparency International, and Human Rights Watch confirm that while the insurgency began with religious undertones, it has long mutated into a broader security and economic crisis. The killings in Plateau and Benue are tragic, but so, too, are those in Zamfara and Katsina. Insecurity is a national challenge, not a sectarian one.”

 

Leading the CAN delegation, *His Eminence, Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria,* expressed appreciation to the President for initiating direct dialogue with the Christian leadership.

“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for engaging the Christian community on issues of national concern, particularly the so-called ‘Christian genocide’ narrative,” Rev. Okoh said. “As we made clear in our previous statement, CAN has not changed its position. We are a responsible organisation and remain open to collaboration with Government on governance and security reforms that will bring peace and stability to our nation.”

He added: “We invite you, Dr. Bwala, to our next national assembly to speak directly to our members on the government’s perspective. We continue to pray for peace and tranquility to reign in Nigeria so our people can move about freely and live without fear. Once again, we thank Mr. President for reaching out, and we also appreciate the support of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.”

The meeting was attended by senior CAN officials, including *Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba (Vice President), Apostle Prof. Samson A. Fatokun (General Secretary), Rev. Dr. Mrs. Uzoaku Juliana Williams (Assistant General Secretary), Dr. Celestine Chiedo Aharanwa, FCA (Treasurer), Barr. Comfort Chigbue (Legal & Public Affairs), Rev. Dr. Ozumba Nicodemus (Education, Youth & Women Development), Bishop Dr. Mike Akpami (Planning, Research & Strategy), and Prophet Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, FDC, FNIM (National Issues & Social Welfare)*

Dr. Bwala reiterated that the Tinubu administration views the Church as a vital partner in nation-building.

“We are servants to the public servant, the President,” he remarked. “Your feedback helps shape our approach to inclusive governance and strengthens our collective resolve to secure and unite Nigeria.”

 

The engagement ended on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, justice, and the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.